Singer/songwriter Alexis Allan shows a mix of styles from acoustic indie pop to alternative rock in her debut EP, out this spring. The 16-year-old from San Diego, California has been playing and writing music for 4 years, but Alexis is not new to the limelight. As a young girl, Alexis (then Alexis Schempp) was a skateboarding standout whose skating was featured in USA Today, Sports Illustrated Women, Teen Vogue, as well as many skate publications. She was sponsored by brands such as Roxy, Hawk shoes, Cherry Skateboards and is now a Brand Ambassador for Vans Shoes. As Alexis competed nationally, her skateboarding took her across America. Skateboarding was a very demanding practice that helped Alexis develop a strong determination and work ethic. When she was 9, Alexis and her family moved from Pittsburgh, PA to southern California. Her mom brought home an acoustic guitar one day, and Alexis was hooked. Immediately, she knew this was something she really enjoyed. Songwriting came naturally. Alexis spent her time listening to any and all music she could get her hands on, developing a strong understanding of how pop songs are written. Influenced by John Mayer, Tegan and Sarah, Death Cab for Cutie, Rilo Kiley, Michelle Branch and others, Alexis has created a new sound uniquely her own. She hopes others will connect with the experiences she shares in her songs. Recently Alexis got together with musician and producer Joanie Mendenhall. They hit it off and began working on Alexis’s first self-titled EP. Alexis co-produced the EP with Joanie, furthering her understanding of music making. “Alexis has a great ear for melody,” says Joanie, “and a natural ability to draw people in through her songwriting and performing."
